Allen was born in Detroit, Michigan in 1918 and attended the University of Michigan, where he played football and earned a degree in physical education. After college, he served in the United States Navy during World War II. After the war, he began his coaching career as an assistant coach at Whittier College in California.
In 1966, Allen was hired as the head coach of the Los Angeles Rams. During his tenure with the Rams, he led the team to the playoffs in three consecutive seasons, and the Rams won the NFC West Division title in 1967. He was also named NFL Coach of the Year in 1967.
In 1971, Allen was hired as the head coach of the Washington Redskins. During his tenure with the Redskins, he led the team to five consecutive playoff appearances and three NFC East Division titles. He also led the team to a Super Bowl appearance in 1972, where they lost to the Miami Dolphins.
Allen was known for his innovative strategies, which included the use of the "Over the Hill Gang," a group of veteran players he brought in to help the team. He was also known for his motivational tactics, which included the use of slogans such as "The Future is Now" and "The Future is Now or Never."
Allen left the Redskins in 1977 and went on to serve as the head coach of the Chicago Blitz of the United States Football League (USFL). He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2002.
George Allen was one of the most successful coaches in the history of the NFL. He was known for his innovative strategies and motivational tactics, which helped him to lead the Rams and Redskins to multiple playoff appearances and division titles. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2002, and his legacy lives on in the NFL today.
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